
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Bueche Girod Dress Watch 18K WG & Factory Diamonds (Ref. Y9810) Black Dial, 1970s
- Maker / attribution
- Black (maker)
- Date
- 1970s
- Historical period
- Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
- Country of origin
- Unrecorded in source
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Stock no.
- BGY9810
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (BGY9810)
- Catalogue title (original)
- 1970s Bueche Girod Dress Watch 18K WG & Factory Diamonds (Ref. Y9810) Black Dial W/ Original Warranty Certificate (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number BGY9810), this is a wristwatch by Black, dated 1970s. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — Craft & Tailored
Bueche Girod was founded in 1947 by master watchmaker Vital Bueche who first made a name for himself by creating movements for large brands. Vital created Bueche Girod as a platform to offer his own concepts and creations -- Unique wristwatches similar to those of Piaget, Boucheron, and Cartier, with the fine jewelry elements of horology being celebrated above all else. Along with the house's own creations, Bueche Girod also created models in tandem with other brands, the most notable brand of which being Cartier, with the most recognizable models of their collaboration being the Maxi Oval Baignoire and the Tank Alongee that Steve Mcqueen wore in the "Thomas Crown Affair". The ref. Y9810 is a stunning example of the quality and design prowess of Bueche Girod, not to mention a perfect representation of fine watchmaking from the era as well. With a case size slightly larger than the classic Tank Louis, the ref. Y9810 perfectly melds precious materials into a serious and sophisticated design that is distinctly fun to wear. Stock # BGY9810 Brand Bueche Girod Style Dress Watch Model Y9810 Serial 41XXX Size Men's / Unisex Material 18K White Gold & Factory Diamonds Dial Black Millimeters 26 X 32 Bracelet Integrated 18K White Gold Bracelet CASE & BRACELET The factory diamond-set rectangular 18K white gold case is in incredibly well-preserved condition, showing no notable evidence of previous polishing with nominal elements of previous use present. The sides of the case feature large diamonds that are original to the watch. The case retains its original unsigned crown. The case back exhibits minor signs of use and retains the factory serial and reference numbers in present and crisp condition. The long integrated 18K white gold bracelet is a true work of art and remains in excellent condition, showing no stretch, and will currently fit between a 7 1/4-inch and 7 1/2-inch wrist. The bracelet appears to have been previously sized smaller at some point, however, the original material was added back in to bring the watch back to its factory length, though this work is only visible from the underside of the bracelet. DIAL & HANDS The original glossy black dial is in excellent vintage condition, with some small and subtle elements of age present at the top and bottom of the dial. The original white gold dauphine hands are in excellent condition. ACCESSORIES
Historical context
Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
Seiko's Astron begins mass quartz timekeeping; traditional industries contract sharply.
Quartz and digital watches transformed the market after 1969. Swiss employment collapsed, Japanese and Hong Kong production soared, and the Swatch (1983) helped the Swiss industry recover; mechanical watches survived as luxury goods.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Modern Mechanical Horology
Atlas type guide
Wristwatches
Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.
After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.
What to look for
- The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
- The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
- Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
- Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.
Dating clues
- Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
- Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
- Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
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